Later was definitely better for me. I should point out I was hunting antlerless only. And yes, it was quite a bit easier to see them after the leaves started to fall. Those things can really hide well. Hunting bulls might be different. Calling one in during the rut would be very exciting I would think.

Early-RutLate-Leaves are all off of the trees so easier to see them. That's what I've heard in the past. I'd probably do early just for the fun of the rut.

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I can say that ten years ago when I drew a moose tag I researched the heck out of it, talking to close to 80% of the hunters the previous five years. What I found was that generally the bigger bulls were killed late, easier to see, grouped up so comparisons were easier. On my hunt I hunted early and later and did see bigger bulls and still rut activity at the end of October. Personal choice really, calling in bulls is a ton of fun, but I’d say if you are truly after the biggest bulls I’d hunt late if I was forced to choose.

I can say that ten years ago when I drew a moose tag I researched the heck out of it, talking to close to 80% of the hunters the previous five years. What I found was that generally the bigger bulls were killed late, easier to see, grouped up so comparisons were easier. On my hunt I hunted early and later and did see bigger bulls and still rut activity at the end of October. Personal choice really, calling in bulls is a ton of fun, but I’d say if you are truly after the biggest bulls I’d hunt late if I was forced to choose.

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Difference is 10 years ago Moose were at there peak. You can kill a bull on either hunt but the early boys pound on em pretty good. You better have several late options.

I had the late tag and hunted 12 Days seeing 14 different bulls. All but one were pretty young. My bull was 4.5 years old and I was happy with him. Hunted the same unit with my partner with the early tag last year. Killed a really good mature bull on day 2 and missed a bigger one. It’s nice to hunt the rut and not have to worry about too much about snow which can mess up the late hunt. The late Hunt has its advantages with cooler weather , bunched up bulls and the ability to combine late deer. Bottom line is either tag gets it done with a little persistence and boot leather. What a tag to have